Connecting structure between bicycle pedal and cleat, bicycle pedal and cleat

ABSTRACT

A connecting structure between a bicycle pedal and a cleat is formed of hooks pivotably supported by a pedal body for engaging and releasing the cleat, and an urging device for urging the hooks toward engaging positions. A first cam mechanism is provided between each of the hooks and the cleat for causing the hook to pivot in a releasing direction when the cleat is inclined about a first imaginary axis extending substantially along a direction of pivotal movement of the hooks. The first cam mechanism includes a first pressed edge defined on one of the hooks and opposed to the cleat, and a first pressing edge defined on the cleat and opposed to one of the hooks for slidable contact with the first pressed edge. The first pressed edge and first pressing edge overlap each other as seen in a direction perpendicular to the pedal body tread.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.07/971,269, filed Nov. 4, 1992, which in turn is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 07/611,504, filed Nov. 13, 1990 nowabandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a structure for fixing a shoe to abicycle pedal through a cleat attached to the bottom of the shoe.

2. Description of the Prior Art

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a known structure for fixing a shoe to a bicyclepedal through a cleat attached to the bottom of the shoe. Generally, apedal shaft 43 rotatably supports a pedal body 44 including a front hook44a formed on a front end thereof and having an engaging portion havingapproximately the same width as a front engaging portion of a cleat 45.The pedal body 44 also includes a rear hook claw 41 connected to a rearend thereof to be pivotable between an engaging position and adisengaging position. The rear hook claw 41 includes a cleat contactingportion 41a and a cleat engaging portion 41b extending axially of thepedal body 44. A spring 42 is mounted between the rear hook 41 and pedalbody 44 to urge the rear hook claw 41 forwardly toward the engagingposition. The cleat 45 includes a recessed engaging portion 45a at arear end thereof for fitting engagement with the rear hook 41. Such aknown structure is disclosed in the Japanese patent application laidopen under No. 60-197478, for example.

When attaching the shoe to the pedal through the cleat 45, the cyclistmoves the shoe obliquely downwardly and forwardly relative to the pedalbody 44. After the front end of the cleat 45 is engaged by the fronthook 44a of the pedal body 44, the cyclist places the rear end of thecleat 45 in contact with a guide portion of the rear hook 41. In thisstate, the shoe is pressed down, which causes the rear hook 41 to pivotrearwardly to the disengaging position against the force of spring 42.The rear end of the cleat 45 enters a position opposite a back face ofthe rear hook 41. Then, the rear hook 41 returns under the force ofspring 42 and engages the rear end of the cleat 45. This engagementfixes the shoe to the pedal through the cleat 45.

When releasing the shoe from the fixed state, the cyclist turns the shoeabout an axis perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to treads ofthe pedal, using the front end of the cleat 45 as a pivotal point. As aresult of this pivotal movement, the rear hook 41 moves from a recess Ddefining the engaging portion 45a and mounts an adjacent non-recessedportion E. This causes the rear hook 41 to pivot rearwardly to thedisengaging position against the force of spring 42, thereby releasingthe shoe.

However, according to the known construction noted above, the shoe isreleasable from the pedal only by turning the shoe about an imaginaryaxis perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the treads of thepedal, using the front end of the cleat 45 as a pivotal point. With theknown construction, therefore, the shoe may not be released from thepedal when, for example, the cyclist falls over to the ground and tiltsthe shoe sideways relative to the pedal treads.

Further, the rigid connection between the shoe and bicycle pedal,according to the prior art as noted above, applies a treading force ofthe cyclist to the pedal effectively and reliably. On the other hand, inthe case of a mountain bike which runs rough terrains, such a connectiontransmits violent vibrations resulting from the roughness of the terrainto the cyclist's foot. The known connecting structure between thebicycle pedal and cleat includes engaging members attached to the pedalshaft for connection to the shoe, and the shoe rests on the pedalthrough the engaging members. Moreover, such engaging members aregenerally formed of a highly rigid material to assure a strongconnection to the shoe. Thus, the vibrations due to the roughness of theterrain are transmitted directly to the cyclist's foot without beingdamped, thereby straining the cyclist's foot.

Even in an ordinary run of the bicycle, the torsional force about theimaginary axis noted above may be applied to the shoe connected to thepedal body. When cornering on a mountain bike, for example, the cyclistmay pedal the bike with only one foot in an unstable posture. Tomaintain his balance in such a condition, the cyclist turns the pedalbody while applying a torsional force about the above-mentionedimaginary axis to the shoe connected to the pedal body. Further, whenthe cyclist pedals the bicycle without being seated on the saddle, theunstable posture could result in an inadvertent application of atorsional force about the imaginary axis to the shoe connected to thepedal body. According to the known structure noted above, the shoe couldinadvertently disengage from the pedal body under the torsional forceapplied to the shoe connected to the pedal body. The cyclist faces aserious danger as a result of the shoe disengaging from the pedal bodywhile the cyclist is in such an unstable posture. To prevent the shoefrom inadvertently disengaging from the pedal body, it is conceivable toset the torsional force for turning the shoe about the imaginary axis toa high level. However, such a measure would be inappropriate since theshoe would not readily be released from the pedal body in an emergency,such as when the cyclist falls over.

Moreover, according to the known structure noted above, the shoe must beturned a great extent about the imaginary axis to become disengaged fromthe pedal body. In an emergency such as when the cyclist turns over, theshoe turned a small amount only results in re-engagement between thecleat and engaging members. The cyclist could be seriously injured withthe shoe remaining caught with the pedal body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made having regard to the state of theart noted above. A first object of the invention, therefore, is toprovide a connecting structure which releases the cleat with increasedreliability when, for example, the cyclist falls over with his shoeinclined relative to the pedal.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a connectingstructure which reduces the strain of the cyclist's foot.

A third object of the invention is to provide a connecting structurewhich reliably connects the cleat to the pedal body during a normal run,and allows the cleat to be released from the pedal body in an emergency.

The first object above is fulfilled, according to a first aspect of thepresent invention, by a connecting structure comprising hooks pivotablysupported by a pedal body for engaging and releasing the cleat; anurging device for urging the hooks toward engaging positions; and afirst cam mechanism provided between each of the hooks and the cleat forcausing the hook to pivot in a releasing direction when the cleat isinclined about a first imaginary axis extending substantially along adirection of pivotal movement of the hooks, the first cam mechanismincluding a first pressed edge defined on one of the hooks and opposedto the cleat, and a first pressing edge defined on the cleat and opposedto one of the hooks for slidable contact with the first pressed edge,the first pressed edge and the first pressing edge overlapping eachother as seen in a direction perpendicular to a tread of the pedal body.

In the above connecting structure, the first pressed edge and firstpressing edge constituting the first cam mechanism overlap each other asseen in the direction perpendicular to a tread of the pedal body.Therefore, the hook pivots when the cleat is inclined about the firstimaginary axis extending along the direction of pivotal movement of thehook. The first cam mechanism, with the inclination of the cleat, causesthe hook to pivot in the release direction. So the shoe becomesdisengaged from the pedal when the shoe to which the cleat is fixed istwisted to incline the cleat.

Thus, the shoe is released from the pedal even when the shoe is inclinedwith the foot in an emergency such as falling over of the cyclist. Thishelps to avoid a danger of spraining or fracturing the foot forpromotion of the safety aspect.

The above connecting structure may further comprise a second cammechanism provided between each of the hooks and the cleat for causingthe hook to pivot in the releasing direction when the cleat is inclinedabout a second imaginary axis extending substantially perpendicular to atread of the pedal body, the second cam mechanism including a secondpressed edge defined on one of the hooks and opposed to the cleat, and asecond pressing edge defined on the cleat and opposed to one of thehooks for slidable contact with the second pressed edge, the secondpressed edge of the hook lying in a locus described by the secondpressing edge of the cleat when the cleat is swung.

According to this construction, the hook will pivot with a swingingmovement of the cleat since the second cam mechanism is provided whichincludes a second pressed edge defined on the hook and opposed to thecleat, and a second pressing edge defined on the cleat and opposed tothe hook for slidable contact with the second pressed edge, with thesecond pressed edge of the hook lying in a locus described by the secondpressing edge of the cleat when the cleat is swung. The second cammechanism, with a swing of the cleat, causes the hook to pivot in therelease direction. So the shoe becomes disengaged from the pedal whenthe shoe to which the cleat is fixed is twisted to incline the cleat.Furthermore, since the first imaginary axis and second imaginary axisextend in different directions, the shoe is positively disengaged fromthe pedal when the cleat is twisted in two or more directions. Thisconstruction further promotes safety in that the shoe is releasable fromthe pedal not only with an inclination of the cleat as noted above butwith a swinging movement of the cleat.

The construction may be simple and easy to manufacture if the firstpressing edge and second pressing edge comprise a common pressing edgeformed on the cleat. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, thefirst pressing edges comprise opposite side edges of a portion engagedby the hook, and converge toward the hook. This construction assures asmooth pivotal movement of the hook in the release direction whicheverdirection the cleat may be inclined about the first imaginary axis.

The second object noted hereinbefore is fulfilled, according to a secondaspect of the present invention, by a connecting structure in which thepedal body includes a shoe rest for receiving a shoe bottom, the shoerest at least partly surrounding an engaging device including the hooksand the urging means, and the shoe bottom includes a contact portion atleast partly surrounding the cleat for contacting the shoe rest.

According to this construction, the cyclist's shoe not only is placed onthe pedal indirectly through the engaging device but has the contactportion thereof directly placed on the shoe rest formed around theengaging device. On the one hand, the shoe is rigidly connected to thepedal through the cleat and engaging device to transmit part of atreading force of the cyclist directly to the shoe rest. On the otherhand, vibrations transmitted from the pedal to the cyclist's foot aredamped between the shoe rest and the shoe bottom by utilizing an elasticmaterial of which the shoe bottom is usually formed. In other words, inthe known connecting structure between the bicycle pedal and cleat, theengaging device on the pedal acts both to connect the shoe to the pedaland to receive the treading force of the cyclist. In the prior art,therefore, the shoe rests on the engaging device itself which has arelatively large area. By contrast, the connecting structure of thisinvention has the engaging device acting mainly as a connector for theshoe, the function to receive the treading force of the cyclist beingfulfilled also by the shoe rest effective to damp the vibrations incombination with the shoe bottom. This reduces the vibrationstransmitted through the engaging device to the cyclist's foot withoutbeing damped.

According to the second aspect of the invention, therefore, when runningon a very rough terrain, part of the vibrations resulting from the roughground are damped by the elasticity of the shoe bottom for transmissionto the cyclist's foot. This connecting structure reduces the strain ofthe cyclist's foot, and greatly relieves the cyclist from fatigueparticularly in rough road conditions or during a long distance run. Amountain bike must often run in rough ground conditions, and the cyclistmust from time to time dismount the bike for crossing places impossibleto ride through. The connecting structure of this invention is extremelyuseful for such situations in that the cleat is readily releasable fromthe pedal and that the cyclist is well protected from fatigue.

The third object noted hereinbefore is fulfilled, according to a thirdaspect of the present invention, by a connecting structure in which thepedal body includes rotation restrictors for contacting the cleatengaged by the hooks to restrain the cleat from rotating about thesecond imaginary axis, cam surfaces being defined on the rotationrestrictors and/or the cleat for moving the cleat away from the tread ofthe pedal body when the cleat engaged by the hooks is rotated about thesecond imaginary axis.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the rotation restrictorsbasically restrain the cleat in the engaged state from rotating aboutthe above imaginary axis. The cam surfaces defined on the rotationrestrictors or the cleat provide the option, as described hereunder, forthe cleat to rotate or not to rotate about the imaginary axis, and hencethe option for the cleat to disengage or not to disengage from the pedalbody. During a normal run a great treading force is applied to the shoeto tread and turn the pedal body. This treading force is maintainedduring the normal run unless the shoe is intentionally lifted. Suchtreading force operates through the inclination of the cam surfaces toprevent the cleat from leaving the tread of the pedal body. That is, thecleat in the engaged state cannot rotate without moving away from thetread. As a result, the function of the cam surfaces is nullified andthe rotation of the cleat about the above-mentioned imaginary axis iseffectively restrained by the rotation restrictors. For this reason,even if a torsional force around the imaginary axis is applied to thecleat engaged by the pedal body, the cleat will not rotate about theimaginary axis to oscillate the hooks. Since the clear remains engagedby the hooks, the cleat will never inadvertently become separated fromthe cleat. On the other hand, in an emergency such as when the cyclistfalls over, the cleat may move away from the tread owing to theinclination of the cam surfaces since the treading force acting on thepedal body is at least temporarily removed. Thus, the rotation of thecleat about the second imaginary axis is not in any way prevented by thepresence of the rotation restrictors. The cleat, by its rotation, isdisengageable from the hooks to separate from the pedal body. The cleatbecomes disengaged from and moves away from the hooks, so thatinadvertent reengagement between the cleat and hooks is positivelyavoided. The cleat is reliably separable from the pedal body for thesame reason also when the cleat is rotated about the imaginary axiswithout a treading force applied intentionally. This promotes safety ofthe cyclist during a run while allowing the cyclist to turn the pedalbody with full force despite an unstable posture such as in cornering.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, where the hooksare provided at the front end of the pedal body as well as the rear endthereof, a great pressure applied forwardly of the pedal could result indisengagement between the front hook and the cleat, whereby the cleatinadvertently becomes disengaged from the pedal.

Having regard to the above situation, a connecting structure accordingto a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a pedal bodyfurther including forward movement stoppers for contacting the cleatengaged by the hooks to prevent movement of the cleat forwardly of thepedal and allow rotation of the cleat about the second imaginary axis.

In this construction, the forward movement stoppers are effective toprevent the front hook from pivoting forwardly of the pedal body when agreat forward pressure acts on the front hook. The cleat in the engagedstate will not move away from the tread of the pedal, and therefore willnot move over the forward movement stoppers. Thus, when a great pressureacts on the cleat such as when the cyclist pedals the bicycle with fullforce or suddenly applies brakes, the front hook is free from thepressure and the cleat remains engaged without allowing the shoe toinadvertently separate from the pedal. The connecting structureincluding the forward movement stoppers realizes optimal hooks forallowing the cleat to be engaged by the pedal through a treadingoperation relative to the pedal. This is possible because no means isnecessary for retarding the forward pivotal movement of the front hook.In addition, the forward movement stoppers allow the cleat to rotateabout the second imaginary axis. Thus, the cleat may be rotated toreadily disengage from the pedal.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the cleat separation may befurther facilitated if the rear end of the cleat, which may be rotatedor swung most easily from the point of view of human engineering, isrotatable about the second imaginary axis.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 through 8 show a first embodiment of the present invention, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connecting structure,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a principal portion of the connectingstructure seen from a different angle,

FIG. 3 is a view in vertical section of the connecting structure, takenalong the line 3--3 of FIG. 1

FIGS. 4 through 6 are plan views for illustrating the way in which theconnecting structure operates,

FIG. 7 is a rear view, partly broken away, of the connecting structureseen in a direction perpendicular to a pedal shaft, and

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a relationship between the connectingstructure and a cleat.

FIGS 9 through 13 show a second embodiment of the present invention, inwhich:

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a cleat anda pedal,

FIGS 10 and 11 are sectional views showing a relationship between therear end of the cleat and a rotation restricting portion, and

FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic plan views showing the relationshipbetween the rear end of the cleat and the rotation restricting portion.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modification made to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a principal portion of the modificationshown in FIG. 14, taken along the line 15--15 of FIG. 14

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another modification made to the firstembodiment.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are views showing modifications made to the secondembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a view in vertical section of a conventional connectingstructure between a bicycle pedal and a cleat, taken along the line19--19 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the conventional connecting structure shown inFIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described withreference to FIGS. 1 through 8.

In FIGS. 1 through 3, numeral 1 denotes a pedal shaft attached to a freeend of a crank arm of a bicycle crank, and numeral 2 denotes a pedalbody rotatably supported by the pedal shaft 1. Two types of hooks 4 and5 are pivotably supported by the pedal body 2, more particularly by eachof two pivotal axes 7 included in the pedal body 2, to engage andrelease a cleat 3 attached to a bottom of a shoe for fixing the shoe tothe bicycle pedal. The hook 4 engage a front engaging portion 3a of thecleat 3, while the hook 5 engages a rear engaging portion 3a of thecleat 3. The two hooks 4 and 5 forming a vertical pair are pivotable ona pivotal point P provided by each of the forward and rearward pivotshafts 7, and the two pairs of hooks 4 and 5 are in fore and aftrotation symmetry. Each of the hooks 4 and 5 is formed of aluminum, withengaging elements 4a or 5a of steel secured thereto by a bolt 16 or 17since certain strength is required at a position thereof which directlycontacts the cleat 3. The cleat is bolted to the shoe bottom S throughtwo slots 3' to be adjustable sideways. The engaging portions 3a of thecleat have inclined undersurfaces 3u, so that a pedal treading action ofthe cyclist causes pivotal movement of the hooks 4 and 5.

The hooks 4 and 5 have helical springs 6 for urging the hooks 4 and 5 tothe engaging positions. Each of the helical springs 6 is mounted on eachpivotal axis 7 supporting the vertical pair of hooks 4 and 5, such thatthe helical spring 6 is out of contact with intermediate recesses 4c and5c defined in the hooks 4 and 5. Each helical spring 6 has an endthereof contacting a deformed nut 10 meshed with a threaded portion 9aof an adjusting bolt 9 positioned and rotatably supported through awasher-like element 8 in a center position adjacent the pivotalconnection of the hook 4 for engaging the front end of the cleat 3. Theposition of the deformed nut 10 is adjustable by rotating the adjustingbolt 9. The other end of the helical spring 6 is in contact with thehook 5 for engaging the rear end of the cleat 3, more particularly withthe engaging element 5a attached to the hook 5. Thus, each helicalspring has one end extending to the hook 4 for engaging the front end ofthe cleat 3, and the other end extending to the hook 5 for engaging therear end of the cleat 3, to urge the hooks 4 and 5 to the engagingpositions, with its urging force adjustable by the adjusting bolt 9. Thehook 4 for engaging the front end of the cleat 3 includes a window 4b ina transversely intermediate position thereof for allowing a visualconfirmation of the position of the deformed nut 10 meshed with theadjusting bolt 9. The deformed nut 10 is bent at a position thereofadjacent an outer profile of the pedal to extend along the adjustingbolt 9, with an end face 10a thereof serving the purpose of visualconfirmation through the window 4b. The position of the deformed nut 10is confirmed by seeing this end face 10a through the window, thereby tocheck the urging condition of the helical spring 6. When the cleat 3 ismoved toward the pedal body 2 for engagement, the hooks 4 and 5 oncepivot toward the release positions against the force of the helicalspring 6. Numeral 19 denotes a cleat rest with contact plates forcontacting the cleat 3, each of which is attached to the pedal body 2with a projection of the pedal body 2 fitted in a perforation formedcentrally of the contact plate 19.

A first cam mechanism A is provided between each of the hooks 4 and 5and the cleat 3, more particularly between each of the engaging portionsof elements 4a and 5a of the hooks 4 and 5 and each of the engagingportions 3a of the cleat. The cam mechanisms A cause the hooks 4 and 5to pivot toward the release positions when the cleat 3 is inclined, asshown in FIG. 6, about a first imaginary axis X1 extending along thedirection of pivotal movement of the hooks 4 and 5.

Each of the first cam mechanisms A includes a first pressed edge orhooking edge 4e or 5e (which is pressed when the shoe is released)formed linearly on a position of the hook 4 or 5 opposed to the cleat 3,and a first pressing edge 3e (which applies a pressing cleat force whenthe shoe is released) formed in a bent shape (which may be curved thoughnot shown) under a position of the cleat 3 opposed to the hook 4 or 5for slidable contact with the first pressed edge 4e or 5e. As shown inFIG. 4 which is seen in the direction perpendicular to a tread face ofthe pedal body 2, the first pressed edge 4e or 5e and the first pressingedge 3e, when engaged, overlap each other.

Further, a second cam mechanism B is provided between each of the hooks4 and 5 and the cleat 3, more particularly between each of the engagingelements 4a and 5a of the hooks 4 and 5 and each of the engagingportions 3a of the cleat. The cam mechanisms B cause the hooks 4 and 5to pivot toward the release positions when the cleat 3 is inclined abouta second imaginary axis X2 extending substantially perpendicular to thetread of the pedal body 2.

Each of the second cam mechanisms B includes a second pressed edge orhook contact portion 4f or 5f formed in a bent shape on a position ofthe hook 4 or 5 opposed to the cleat 3, and a second pressing edge orcleat contact portion 3f projecting from an upper position of the cleat3 opposed to the hook 4 or 5 for slidable contact with the secondpressed edge 4f or 5f. The pressed edge 4e or 5e of the hook 4 or 5 liesin a locus described by the second pressing edge 3f when the cleat 3 isturned (from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG.5).

As described above, the connecting structure between the bicycle pedaland cleat according to the present invention includes the cam mechanismsA each having the first pressed edge 4e or 5e of the hook 4 or 5 and thefirst pressing edge 3e of the cleat 3 overlapping each other when seenin the direction perpendicular to the tread of the pedal body 2. Whenthe cleat 3 is inclined about the first imaginary axis extending alongthe direction of pivotal movement of the hooks 4 and 5, the cammechanisms A cause the hooks 4 and 5 to pivot toward the releasepositions, thereby releasing the shoe with the cleat 3 fixed theretofrom the pedal.

This connecting structure also includes the second cam mechanisms B forcausing the hooks 4 and 5 to pivot toward the release positions when thecleat 3 is inclined about the second imaginary axis extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the tread of the pedal body 2. Thus, whenthe cleat 3 is turned about this axis, the cam mechanisms B cause thehooks 4 and 5 to pivot toward the release positions, thereby releasingthe shoe with the cleat 3 fixed thereto from the pedal.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the pedal body 2 includes a shoe rest 2Xformed of an elastic material for receiving the shoe bottoms. This shoerest 2X surrounds a cleat connecting device including the hooks 4 and 5,helical springs 6 and pivotal axes 7. The shoe includes a contactportion Sb formed around the cleat 3 for contacting the shoe rest 2X ofthe bicycle pedal. When the shoe bottom S is connected to the connectingdevice 18, the shoe rest 2X receives the contact portion Sb of the shoebottoms. This construction transmits part of the treading force of thecyclist from the contact portion Sb of the shoe bottoms directly to thepedal body 2, and at the same time the elasticity of the shoe bottomsabsorbs vibrations due to roughness of the terrain transmitted as areaction to the treading force from the pedal body 2 to the cyclist'sfoot, thereby reducing the strain of the cyclist's foot.

The shoe bottom S includes a recess Sa with bolt holes formed in thebottom of this recess Sa, and the cleat 3 is removably bolted to theshoe bottom S. When the cleat 3 is not used, the cleat 3 is removed fromthe shoe bottom S and a solid filling material is fitted into the recessSa and fixed in position by an adhesive, for example. Then the shoebecomes an ordinary walking shoe. According to the describedconstruction, the cleat 3 acts primarily to connect the shoe to thepedal, and the treading force is transmitted from the contact portion Sbof the shoe bottoms and the shoe rest 2X. This construction allows thecleat 3 to be compact, and therefore a cutout need not be defined in theshoe as in the prior art. Since the cleat 3 is surrounded entirely bythe shoe bottoms, the cyclist can stably place his foot on the ground.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described next withreference to FIGS. 9 through 13. This embodiment is similar inconstruction to the preceding embodiment except the cleat and the cleatcontact plates.

As shown in FIG. 9, a cleat 30 includes a front engaging portion 30a anda rear engaging portion 30b for engagement with the hooks 4 and 5,respectively. The front engaging portion 30a has a semicircular top 30cof a half cylinder projecting from a top surface thereof. The rearengaging portion 30b defines a second pressing edge 30f projectingupwardly. The front engaging portion 30a defines oblique contactportions 30d at opposite sides thereof for contacting forward movementstoppers 20a to be described hereunder.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 13, a cleat contact plate 20 formed of steelhas right and left front corners bent upward. Each of these upwardlybent portions defines an oblique forward movement stopper 20a forcontacting the contact portion 30d of the cleat 30, and a rotationrestrictor 20b for contacting a side of the front engaging portion 30a.Further, the cleat contact plate 20 has right and left rear portionsbent upward. Each of these upwardly bent portions defines a rearrotation restrictor or guide element 20c for contacting a side of thecleat 30. The two rear rotation restrictors 20c are inclined in a way todiverge upwardly away from a tread 2' of the pedal body 2, therebydefining cam or guide surfaces 20d. When the cleat 30 is engaged by thehooks 4 and 5, as shown in FIG. 13, the front rotation restrictors 20bcontact the opposite sides at the front end of the cleat 30 to preventlateral movement of the front end of the cleat 30, and the forwardmovement stoppers 20a contact the oblique contact portions 30d of thecleat 30 to prevent forward movement of the cleat 30. The rear end ofthe cleat 30, by the action of the cam surfaces 20d, remains away fromthe tread 2' of the pedal body 2 in the absence of a treading force.When a treading force is applied, the cam surfaces 20d act as the rearrotation restrictors 20c to prevent lateral movement of the rear end ofthe cleat 30. Consequently, the rotation of the cleat 30 about thesecond imaginary axis X is prevented mainly when a treading force isapplied.

The way in which the connecting structure between the bicycle pedal body2 and cleat 30 behaves will be described next.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the cleat 30 attached to the shoe bottom S ispressed down on one of the treads 2' of the pedal body 2, the hooks 4and 5 pivot in directions away from the pedal body 2 through contactwith the inclined surfaces formed under the engaging portions 30a and30b. Thereafter the hooks 4 and 5 pivot in directions toward the pedalbody 2 and engage the engaging portions 30a and 30b, respectively. Thiscompletes the connection between the shoe and pedal body 2 as shown inFIGS. 10, 4 and 13. Since both of the hooks 4 and 5 pivot at this time,the treading action with respect to the pedal body 2 may be carried outin a direction substantially perpendicular to the tread 2' of the pedalbody 2. In addition, the rear end of the cleat 30 is guided to a correctposition by the cam surfaces 20d, so that the cyclist may pay littleattention to the treading position relative to the pedal body 2.

For disconnecting the shoe from the pedal body 2, the cleat may just beturned about the second imaginary axis X as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,with no treading force applied to the rear end of the cleat 30. At thistime, the front end of the cleat 30 is restrained from lateral movementby the front rotation restrictors 20b, so that the second imaginary axisX extends through a position adjacent the front rotation restrictors20b. The rear hook 5 pivots rearwardly through a relative slidingmovement between the second pressing edge 30f at the rear end of thecleat 30 and a cam surface 5b of the rear hook 5. The cleat 30 isthereby disengaged from the hooks 4 and 5 to complete disconnectionbetween the shoe and the pedal body 2. In this way, the cyclist canpositively select connection or disconnection of the cleat 30 or shoeto/from the pedal body 2 according to circumstances.

In an emergency, such as when the cyclist falls over, the treading forceis at least temporarily removed from the pedal body 2. The cleat 30 maybecome disengaged from the pedal body 2 through a behavior similar tothe intentional operation described above, thereby to secure safety ofthe cyclist. In this case, the rear end of the cleat 30 moves away fromthe tread 2' of the pedal body 2 under the guiding action of the camsurfaces 20d. The cleat 30 becomes disengaged from and moves away fromthe rear hook 5, so that inadvertent re-engagement between the cleat 30and the rear hook 5 is positively avoided.

Modifications of the first embodiment will be set out hereunder.

1. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first and second pressing edges ofthe cleat 3 may be in the form of one pressing portion 3g of the cleat3. The pressing portion 3g acts as a first cam mechanism A incombination with a first pressed edge 4e' or 5e' of the hook 4 or 5, andas a second cam mechanism B in combination with a second pressed edge4f' or 5f' of the hook 4 or 5. Further, it is possible to provide thefirst cam mechanisms A only.

2. The second pressing edge 3f and the second pressed edge 4f or 5f maybe reversed as to the projection/recess relationship. Further, as shownin FIG. 16, the second pressing edge 3f may include two projections.

3. The pair of hooks 4 and 5 may be provided only on one face of thepedal body 2 instead of both faces thereof.

4. The specific construction of the connecting device 18 may be variedas desired. For example, the cleat 3 may be engaged at the front end bya stationary member, the rear end of the cleat 3 being clamped at rightand left by hooks.

5. The shape and size of the shoe rest 2X are variable with theconnecting device 18. Where the connecting device 18 is elongatedaxially of the pedal shaft 1, the shoe rest 2X may be split fore and aftacross the connecting device 18. In other words, the shoe rest 2X willserve the purpose as long as it is positioned around the connectingdevice 18. The shoe rest 2X may partly or entirely surround theconnecting device 18.

Modifications of the second embodiment will be described next.

6. In the second embodiment, the rear rotation restrictors 20c and camsurfaces 20d are arranged to contact the cleat 30. However, thesecomponents may be adapted to contact the shoe bottom S. As shown in FIG.17, for example, the pedal body 2 may include projections formed on eachtread thereof and defining the rear rotation restrictors 20c acting ascam surfaces 20d, the rear rotation restrictors 20c being arranged tocontact surfaces F2 in holes defined in the shoe bottom S. The shoebottom S is restrained from rotation about the second imaginary axis Xby the contact between the rear rotation restrictors 20c and thesurfaces F2. The shoe bottom S and cleat 30 are movable away from thetread 2' of the pedal body 2 with rotation about the second imaginaryaxis X of the shoe bottom S.

7. While the cam surfaces 20d are provided on the rear rotationrestrictors 20c in the second embodiment and modification 6 above, thecam surfaces 20d may be formed on the cleat 30 or shoe bottom S only ormay by formed on the cleat 30 or shoe bottom S as well as the rearrotation restrictors 20c. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the rearrotation restrictors 20c may extend substantially perpendicular to thetread 2' of the pedal body 2, with the cleat 30 defining cam surfaces20d at opposite sides at rear positions thereof which are inclined toconverge downwardly. This construction corresponds to the secondembodiment in function and effect.

8. While the cam surfaces 20d are provided on the rear rotationrestrictors 20c in the second embodiment, the cam surfaces 20d may beformed on the front rotation restrictors 20b only or may be formed onboth the front rotation restrictors 20b and the rear rotationrestrictors 20c. In the former the second imaginary axis X is locatedrearwardly of the cleat 30, while in the latter the position of axis Xvariable with the way a couple of forces is applied to the cleat 30. Inthe former case, the relationship between the semicircular top 30c andthe second pressing edge 3f and second pressed edge 5f may be reversedfore and aft from their relationship in the second embodiment.

9. While, in the second embodiment, both of the hooks 4 and 5 arepivotable, only one of them may be constructed pivotable and the otherformed integral with the pedal body.

10. In the second embodiment, the front and rear rotation restrictors20b and 20c are distributed right and left of the pedal body 2. However,the rotation restrictors may be provided only at one front position andone rear position of the pedal body 2. Further, the rotation restrictors20c and 20d may be provided centrally of the pedal body 2 instead of thetwo positions at the front and rear thereof. Also only one cam surfacemay be provided on the pedal body 2 instead of two.

11. While, in the second embodiment, the forward movement stoppers 20aare provided in the forward portions of the pedal body 2, these may beprovided centrally or rearwardly of the pedal body 2. The two forwardmovement stoppers 20a may be replaced by one forward movement stopperfor contacting the entire front end of the cleat 30. This constructioncorresponds to the second embodiment in function and effect.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleat-bicycle pedal connecting systemcomprising:a pedal (2); a pedal shaft (1) for rotatably supporting saidpedal; a cleat (3) with first and second engaging portions (3a); firstand second pivot shafts (7) mounted on said pedal and extending parallelto said pedal shaft, said pivot shafts being located on opposite sidesof said pedal shaft; a first hook (4) pivotably mounted on said firstpivot shaft and having an engaging portion (4a) arranged to be engagedwith said first engaging portion (3a) of said cleat, said hook beingarranged to pivot between engaging and disengaging positions, whereinsaid first engaging portion of said cleat is arranged to be engaged withsaid engaging portion of said hook when said hook is in its engagingposition, and wherein said cleat is arranged to be released from saidengaging portion of said hook when said hook is in its disengagingposition; a second hook (5) pivotably mounted on said second pivot shaftand having an engaging portion (5a) arranged to be engaged with saidsecond engaging portion (3a) of said cleat, said second hook beingarranged to pivot between engaging and disengaging positions, whereinsaid second engaging portion of said cleat is arranged to be engagedwith said engaging portion of said second hook when said second hook isin its engaging position, and wherein said cleat is arranged to bereleased from said engaging portion of said second hook when said secondhook is in its disengaging position, and wherein said engaging portionof said second hook is opposed to said engaging portion of said firsthook, and wherein said pedal has a pedal surface located between saidfirst and second hooks; first cam means for converting rotationaldisplacement of said cleat about a first axis into pivotal movement ofsaid hooks toward their disengaging positions, wherein said first axisextends transversely of said pedal shaft and is parallel to said pedalsurface, and wherein said cam means includes hooking edges and cleatedges, said hooking edges being elements of said engaging portions ofsaid hooks, said cleat edges being elements of said engaging portions ofsaid cleat, and wherein said cleat edges and said hooking edges arearranged to slide against each other when said cleat is rotated aboutsaid axis; and second cam means for converting displacement of saidcleat about a second axis into pivotal movement of said hooks towardtheir disengaging positions, wherein said second axis extendstransversely of said pedal shaft, said second axis being perpendicularto said first axis.
 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidsecond cam means includes a hook contact portion (4f) and a cleatcontact portion (ef), said hook contact portion being an element of saidfirst hook, said cleat contact portion being an element of said cleat,and wherein said hook contact portion and said cleat contact portion arearranged to slide against each other when said cleat is displaced aboutsaid second axis.
 3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pedalcomprises a shoe rest (2x), said shoe rest comprising shoe rest regionslocated on opposite sides of said cleat rest.
 4. A cleat-bicycle pedalconnecting system comprising:a pedal (2); a pedal shaft (1) forrotatably supporting said pedal; a cleat (3) with first and secondengaging portions (3a); first and second pivot shafts (7) mounted onsaid pedal and extending parallel to said pedal shaft, said pivot shaftsbeing located on opposite sides of said pedal shaft; a first hook (4)pivotably mounted on said first pivot shaft and having an engagingportion (4a) arranged to be engaged with said first engaging portion(3a) of said cleat, said hook being arranged to pivot between engagingand disengaging positions, wherein said first engaging portion of saidcleat is arranged to be engaged with said engaging portion of said hookwhen said hook is in its engaging position, and wherein said cleat isarranged to be engaged with said engaging portion of said cleat isarranged to be released from said engaging portion of said hook whensaid hook is in its disengaging position; a second hook (5) pivotablymounted on said second pivot shaft and having an engaging portion (5a)arranged to be engaged with said second engaging portion (3a) of saidcleat, said second hook being arranged to pivot between engaging anddisengaging positions, wherein said second engaging portion of saidcleat is arranged to be engaged with said engaging portion of saidsecond hook when said second hook is in its engaging position, andwherein said cleat is arranged to be released from said second hook whensaid engaging portion of said second hook is in its disengagingposition, and wherein said engaging portion of said second hook isopposed to said engaging portion of said first hook; a pedal surfacelocated between said first and second hooks; and cam means forconverting displacement of said cleat away from and perpendicularly tosaid pedal surface into pivotal movement of said hooks toward theirdisengaging positions, said cam means including hooking edges definedaround said engaging portions of said hooks, and cleat edges whichengage with said engaging portions of said hooks, wherein said hookingedges and said cleat edges are arranged to slide against each other whensaid cleat is moved away from said pedal surface.
 5. A cleat-bicyclepedal connecting system comprising:a pedal (2); a pedal shaft (1) forrotatably supporting said pedal; a cleat (3) with first and secondengaging portions (3a); a pivot shaft (7) mounted on said pedal andextending parallel to said pedal shaft, said pivot shaft being locatedon one side of said pedal shaft; a first hook (5) pivotably mounted onsaid pivot shaft and having an engaging portion (5a) arranged to beengaged with said first engaging portion (3a) of said cleat, said hookbeing arranged to pivot between engaging and disengaging positions,wherein said first engaging portion of said cleat is arranged to beengaged with said engaging portion of said hook when said hook is in itsengaging position, and wherein said cleat is arranged to be releasedfrom said engaging portion of said hook when said hook is in itsdisengaging position; a second hook (4) which is non-rotatable withrespect to said pedal, said second hook having an engaging portion (4a)arranged to be engaged with said second engaging portion (3a) of saidcleat, and wherein said engaging portion of said second hook is opposedto said engaging portion of said first hook; a pedal surface locatedbetween said first and second hooks; first cam means for convertingdisplacement of said cleat about a first axis into pivotal movement ofsaid first hook toward its disengaging position, wherein said first axisis parallel to said pedal surface and extends transversely of said pedalshaft,said cam means including hooking edges defined around saidengaging portions of said hooks, wherein said hooking edges and saidcleat other when said cleat rotates about said first axis; and secondcam means for converting displacement of said cleat about a second axisinto pivotal movement of said first hook toward said disengagingposition, wherein said second axis extends transversely of said pedalshaft, said second axis being perpendicular to said first axis.
 6. Asystem as claimed in claim 5 wherein said pedal surface defines a cleatrest for receiving said cleat.
 7. A cleat-bicycle pedal connectingsystem comprising;a pedal (2); a pedal shaft (1) for rotatablysupporting said pedal; a cleat (30) with first and second engagingportions (30a, 30b); a cleat rest (20) defined in said pedal forreceiving said cleat; first and second hooks (4, 5) mounted on saidpedal and extending parallel to said pedal shaft, said hooks beinglocated on opposite sides of said pedal shaft and having respectiveengaging portions arranged to be engaged with said engaging portions ofsaid cleat; a pivot shaft (7) mounted on said pedal and extendingparallel to said pedal shaft, wherein said first hook (5) is arranged tobe pivoted about said pivot shaft between engaging and disengagingpositions, wherein said cleat is arranged to be engaged with saidengaging portion of said first hook when said first hook is in itsengaging position, and wherein said cleat is arranged to be releasedfrom said engaging portion of said first hook when said first hook is inits disengaging position; cam means for converting displacement of saidcleat in a first direction into pivotal movement of said first hooktoward its disengaging position, wherein said first direction isgenerally parallel to said pedal shaft; and guide means for restrictingthe displacement of said cleat in said first direction, said guide meansincluding a pair of guide elements (20c) mounted on said cleat rest,said guide elements being spaced apart from each other in said firstdirection, said guide elements having respective inclined guide faces(20d) which are inclined upwardly away from each other.
 8. A system asclaimed in claim 7, wherein said cam means includes a contact portiondefined in said first hook, and a contact portion defined in said firstengaging portion of said cleat, and wherein said contact portions arearranged to slide against each other when said cleat is displaced insaid first direction.
 9. A system as claimed in claim 7, furthercomprising cleat stopper means mounted on said cleat rest for preventingsaid cleat from moving toward said second hook.
 10. A system as claimedin claim 9, wherein said stopper means is arranged to be engaged with aportion of said cleat, and wherein said cleat is pivotable about an axiswhich extends through said portion of said cleat.
 11. A cleat-bicyclepedal connecting system comprising:a pedal (2); a pedal shaft (1) forrotatably supporting said pedal; a cleat (30) with first and secondengaging portions (30a, 30b); a cleat rest (20) defined in said pedalfor receiving said cleat; first and second pivot shafts (7) mounted onsaid pedal and extending parallel to said pedal shaft, said pivot shaftsbeing located on opposite sides of said pedal shaft; a first hook (4)pivotably mounted on said first pivot shaft and having an engagingportion arranged to be engaged with said first engaging portion (30a) ofsaid cleat, said hook being arranged to be pivoted between engaging anddisengaging positions, wherein said first engaging portion of said cleatis arranged to be engaged with said engaging portion of said hook whensaid hook is in its engaging position, and wherein said cleat isarranged to be released from said engaging portion of said hook whensaid hook is in its disengaging position; a second hook (5) pivotablymounted on said second pivot shaft and having an engaging portionarranged to be engaged with said second engaging portion (30b) of saidcleat, said second hook being arranged to be pivoted between engagingand disengaging positions, wherein said second engaging portion of saidcleat is arranged to be engaged with said engaging portion of saidsecond hook when said second hook is in its engaging position, andwherein said cleat is arranged to be released from said engaging portionof said second hook when said second hook is in its disengagingposition, wherein said engaging portion of said second hook is opposedto said engaging portion of said first hook; cam means for convertingdisplacement of said cleat in a first direction into pivotal movement ofsaid second hook toward its disengaging position, wherein said firstdirection is generally parallel to said pedal shaft; and cleat stoppermeans mounted on said cleat rest for preventing said cleat from movingtoward said first pivotably mounted hook.
 12. A system as claimed inclaim 11, wherein said stopper means includes projections (20a) mountedon a forward region of said cleat rest, said projections being spacedapart from each other in said first direction, said cleat having aforward end portion (30c) positioned between said projections.
 13. Asystem as claimed in claim 12, wherein there is a clearance between saidprojections and said cleat such that said cleat is arranged to bedisplaced in said first direction.
 14. A system as claimed in claim 11,wherein said cam means includes a contact portion defined in said secondhook, and a contact portion defined in said cleat, and wherein saidcontact portions are arranged to slide against each other when saidcleat is displaced in said first direction.
 15. A system as claimed inclaim 11, wherein said stopper means is arranged to be engaged with aportion of said cleat, and wherein said cleat is arranged to be pivotedabout an axis which extends through said portion of said cleat.
 16. Asystem as claimed in claim 11, further comprising guide means forrestricting the displacement of said cleat in said first direction, saidguide means including a pair of guide elements (20c) mounted on saidcleat rest, said guide elements being spaced apart from each other insaid first direction, said guide elements having respective inclinedguide faces (20d) which are inclined upwardly away from each other. 17.A cleat-bicycle pedal connecting system comprising:a bicycle shoe havinga resilient shoe bottom (Sb) and a recess (Sa) defined in said shoebottom; a cleat (3) attached to said shoe, said cleat being locatedwithin said recess defined in said shoe bottom; a pedal shaft (1); apedal (2) rotatably supported by said pedal shaft; first and secondhooks mounted on said pedal, said hooks having engaging portionsarranged to be engaged with said cleat, and wherein said pedal defines acleat receiving region for receiving said cleat, said cleat receivingregion being located between said first and second hooks; a pivot shaftmounted on said pedal; said first hook being arranged to pivot aboutsaid pivot shaft between engaging and disengaging positions, whereinsaid cleat is arranged to be engaged with said engaging portion of saidfirst hook when said first hook is in its engaging position, and whereinsaid cleat is arranged to be released from said engaging portion of saidfirst hook when said first hook is in its disengaging position; andwherein said pedal comprises a shoe bottom rest (2x) for supporting saidshoe bottom, at least a portion of said shoe bottom rest being adjacentto said cleat receiving region.
 18. A system as claimed in claim 17,wherein said cleat, said cleat receiving region and said shoe bottomrest are dimensioned such that said shoe bottom is arranged to apply aresilient pressure force to said shoe bottom rest when said engagingportions of said hooks are engaged with said cleat.
 19. A connectingsystem for use with a cleat having first and second engaging portions(3a), said connecting system comprising:a bicycle pedal (2); a pedalshaft (1) for rotatably supporting said pedal; a pivot shaft (7) mountedon said pedal and extending parallel to said pedal shaft, said pivotshaft being located on one side of said pedal shaft; a first hook (5)pivotably mounted on said pivot shaft and having an engaging portion(5a) arranged to be engaged with said first engaging portion (3a) ofsaid cleat, said hook being arranged to pivot between engaging anddisengaging positions, wherein said first engaging portion of said cleatis arranged to be engaged with said engaging portion of said hook whensaid hook is in its engaging position, and wherein said cleat isarranged to be released from said engaging portion of said hook whensaid hook is in its disengaging position; a second hook (4) which isnon-rotatable with respect to said pedal, said second hook having anengaging portion (4a) arranged to be engaged with said second engagingportion (3a) of said cleat, and wherein said engaging portion of saidsecond hook is opposed to said engaging portion of said first hook; apedal surface located between said first and second hooks; first cammeans for converting displacement of said cleat about a first axis intopivotal movement of said first hook toward its disengaging position,wherein said first axis is parallel to said pedal surface and extendstransversely of said pedal shaft, said cam means including hooking edgesdefined around said engaging portions of said hooks, and cleat edgeswhich engage with said engaging portions of said hooks, wherein saidhooking edges and said cleat edges are arranged to slide against eachother when said cleat rotates about said first axis; and second cammeans for converting displacement of said cleat about a second axis intopivotal movement of said first hook toward said disengaging position,wherein said second axis extends transversely of said pedal shaft, saidsecond axis being perpendicular to said first axis.
 20. A connectingsystem for use with a cleat having first and second engaging portions(3a), said connecting system comprising:a bicycle pedal (2); a pedalshaft (1) for rotatably supporting said pedal; first and second pivotshafts (7) mounted on said pedal and extending parallel to said pedalshaft, said pivot shafts being located on opposite sides of said pedalshaft; a first hook (4) pivotably mounted on said first pivot shaft andhaving an engaging portion (4a) arranged to be engaged with said firstengaging portion (3a) of said cleat, said hook being arranged to pivotbetween engaging and disengaging positions, wherein said first engagingportion of said cleat is arranged to be engaged with said engagingportion of said hook when said hook is in its engaging position, andwherein said cleat is arranged to be released from said engaging portionof said hook when said hook is in its disengaging position; a secondhook (5) pivotably mounted on said second pivot shaft and having anengaging portion (5a) arranged to be engaged with said second engagingportion (3a) of said cleat, said second hook being arranged to pivotbetween engaging and disengaging positions, wherein said second engagingportion of said cleat is arranged to be engaged with said engagingportion of said second hook when said second hook is in its engagingposition, and wherein said cleat is arranged to be released from saidengaging portion of said second hook when said second hook is in itsdisengaging position, and wherein said engaging portion of said secondhook is opposed to said engaging portion of said first hook; first cammeans for converting rotational displacement of said cleat about a firstaxis into pivotal movement of said hooks toward their disengagingpositions, wherein said first axis extends transversely of said pedalshaft and is parallel to said pedal surface, and wherein said cam meansincludes hooking edges and cleat edges, said hooking edges beingelements of said engaging portions of said hooks, said cleat edges beingelements of said engaging portions of said cleat, and wherein said cleatedges and said hooking edges are arranged to slide against each otherwhen said cleat is rotated about said axis; and second cam means forconverting displacement of said cleat about a second axis into pivotalmovement of said hooks toward their engaging positions, wherein saidsecond axis extends transversely of said pedal shaft, said second axisbeing perpendicular to said first axis.